Page 31 of The Good Neighbour

Hugh had left the door open with express instructions Josh was to remain at the top of the stairs.

“Art takes time you know.”

That was something Josh had experience with. As an annoying perfectionist, he could mull for hours over stitching and fabric choice.

“Take as long as you like,” he said. “My back’s got another half an hour in it.”

It appeared he wouldn’t need it as the door slowly opened. Josh got to his feet and took in the whole vision.

Hugh towered over him in platform trainers. A massive blonde wig gave him even more height. It was done in anoversized high ponytail with bright pink bow. Josh took a step forward. Hugh’s make up was outstanding, down to the glittery pink lipstick.

“Fuck,” Josh said.

“Do you like?”

Josh could see anxiety in Hugh’s eyes.

“You look incredible.”

Club C had been decorated to the nines. Rodrigo, who owned the place, had spared no expense. All the tables were covered in white cloths with crystal-encrusted pumpkins in the centre. Bright green cocktails were served by bar staff made up as alarmingly realistic zombies.

The music was suitably spooky. A few people were already on the dancefloor doing the Monster Mash.

“Wow,” Hugh said. “Look.”

He pointed to the ceiling from which action figures from all manner of films were suspended. Upon closer inspection, they had also been given the undead treatment.

“Hey, Barbie. Hey, Ken.”

They turned to find Josh’s neighbour and Rodrigo’s partner, Simon Harrington, approaching dressed as Han Solo.

“You look great,” Josh said, hugging him. “Can I introduce you to Hugh Mottram.”

Simon stared up at Hugh. “Bloody hell. Margot Robbie’s got nothing on you.”

“Thank you,” Hugh replied, giving a curtsey. “I try.”

Simon glanced at Josh and beamed. “Seems like a good pairing to me.”

Josh reddened even though Hugh had insisted he wear a thick foundation to get the perfect sun-kissed Ken effect.

“Han Solo? No prizes for guessing who came up with that idea,” Josh said, eager to get the spotlight off him.

Simon’s young son, Luca, was a hugeStar Warsfan. Most of the residents of Queens Crescent were used to seeing them having lightsabre battles in the gardens opposite their houses.

“He was disappointed that he wasn’t allowed to come,” Simon explained. “So we let him choose our costumes.”

“Don’t tell me Rodrigo is in a metal bikini,” Josh replied. “It’s a little cold for that.”

Simon cackled. “Not quite. Luca went easy on him. He’s Obi Wan.”

The room was filling up with iconic characters from Hollywood. Josh was glad that he had made their outfits and they fitted like gloves. Some people had obviously hired theirs and they were hanging off them.

“Hey, hey, hey.”

Another of Josh’s neighbours, Alexander Fitzwilliam, approached them as Rose fromTitanic. His partner, Zac Caton, followed dutifully as Jack.

“Oh wow,” Hugh said. “That dress is exquisite.”